This weekend I walked a stretch of the South Downs Way from Pyecombe (near Hassocks on the Thameslink line) to Amberley. The first day was misty and we couldn’t see far at all, the next was sunny with clear blue skies and distant views to the sea and the North Downs. Both were lovely – in the mist we could see spiders webs covered in dew and we focused on the beauty close to us. On the sunny day we enjoyed the beauty of the landscape stretching away and the vivid colour of the autumn leaves in the sun.
The churches on the route were open and very welcoming – several provided kitchens where we could refill our water and tea, coffee and even biscuits were laid out for us to help ourselves. In the last we came to there was card with Psalms for walkers and an invitation: ‘Walkers are welcome to use the kitchen and to rest a while and consider for a moment that “By Him all things were created in heaven and on earth’ (Colossians 1:15)’.
This week, as we spend our time in more mundane and familiar settings may we be alert to the beauty around us and God’s hand at work in in the world.
Psalm 104: 1-2, 10-13
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great.
You are clothed with honour and majesty,
wrapped in light as with a garment.
You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills,
giving drink to every wild animal;
the wild asses quench their thirst.
By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;
they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
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